FIREBIRDS STAY PERFECT, EXTENDING HISTORIC WINNING STREAK TO 19 GAMES

by Kailey Zarrello

The Albany Firebirds kept the streak burning in their remarkable 2026 campaign with another dominant performance, earning their 7th win of the season and extending their historic winning streak to 19 consecutive games.

Powered by an explosive offense, relentless defense, and timely takeaways, Albany once again proved why they remain one of the premier teams in the Arena Football One league.

First Responders and Veterans Night at MVP

During the game, the Firebirds honored first responders and veterans presented by Patrolfinder. The Firebirds were proud to honor four Purple Heart recipients, including Sergeant Guillermo Renderos, Sergeant David Barrientos, Sergeant Ryan Kissoon, and Sergeant Junior Clarke. Thank you to Patriot Hills NY, for helping make this possible.

Castronova Earns AF1 Co-MVP Honors

Quarterback Sam Castronova delivered another exceptional performance, earning AF1 Week 8 Co-MVP honors after orchestrating an extremely efficient offensive performance.

Castranova completed 20 of 23 passes for 306 yards and 7 touchdowns, gaining him an outstanding 87% completion percentage. He consistently found open receivers in the field, keeping the offense operating at an elite level from whistle to whistle.

Receivers Continue to Shine

Albany’s talented receiving roster once again showcased its depth and ability, with three different receivers accounting for all eight receiving touchdowns.

Agiye Hall had a stellar performance in his first professional game, hauling in six receptions for 73 yards and three touchdowns, repeatedly finding space and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Isaiah Scott turned in another explosive performance, recording five catches for 102 yards and three touchdowns. Scott averaged over 20 yards per reception and consistently stretched the field with big plays.

Captain Darien Townsend delivered another productive game, leading the Firebirds with 10 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns. His game-long 45-yard reception highlighted another great outing for the reliable receiver.

Defense Creates Game-Changing Plays

While the offense stole headlines, Albany’s defense played a major role in securing the win.

Linebacker Drew Singleton turned the game on its head, recording an interception and returning it for a touchdown. Singleton also added six tackles, helping set the tone for the defense.

The Firebirds' secondary continued its ball-hawking success as Seth Robertson and Markus Smith each came away with interceptions. The trio of takeaways helped Albany control the game's momentum and provided the offense with additional scoring opportunities.

Dontae Mason leads the Firebirds defenders with 12 tackles, while Singleton and defensive end Sha’Huan Williams each recorded six stops.

Pass Rush Wrecks Havoc

Albany’s defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage, combining for a total of seven sacks and forcing opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations all game long.

Quaadie Shepard, Sha’Huan Williams, and Morris Joseph Jr. each recorded two sacks, launching a relentless pass rush that never allowed the offense to settle into a smooth rhythm. Khris Walton added another sack as the Firebirds repeatedly collapsed the pocket, disrupting the Oceanside offense.

Looking Ahead

The Firebirds stay home this Friday night, looking to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Beaumont Renegades at MVP Arena.

Beaumont enters the matchup with a 2-4 record and will face the challenge of slowing down one of the hottest teams in the league. Albany, meanwhile, will look to extend its historic 19-game winning streak and remain unbeaten.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST as the Firebirds continue their pursuit of another win in front of their home crowd at MVP Arena.

Stay Connected

For the latest news, schedules, and ticket information, visit FirebirdsAF1.com. Fans can also tune in to the Firebirds Coach's Show every Wednesday across the team's social media platforms, where Head Coach Damon Ware recaps the previous game and previews the next opponent.